Signed by Dunfermline as a right-back, Keith Bray’s answer to queries over his best position is simple: “Don’t ask me!”
The 19-year-old was recruited by the Pars from Inverness Caley Thistle in January but was sent straight back on loan to help the stricken Highlanders with their battle against relegation.
Things worked out perfectly, with both clubs beating threats of the drop in the remainder of the season.
Bray finished the campaign as Inverness’ top scorer, playing a multitude of different roles that saw him find the net 11 times in 37 appearances.
It allowed him to depart the Caley Jags – where he was a team-mate of Fifers summer signing Charlie Gilmour – on good terms as he bids to enhance his burgeoning reputation with Dunfermline next term.
“It’s been good,” he said when asked about his new surroundings. “I’ve been here for nearly a week now. So, I’ve settled into the place lovely.
“It’s been tough on the training pitch, but that’s what it’s going to be like.
“I’m just happy to finally get here and feel welcome, which is always handy as well.
“I finished top goal-scorer at Inverness, so that was good.
Bray happy to play ‘anywhere’ for DAFC
“But the main thing last season in Inverness was just to stay in the division, with the hard things that were happening off the pitch [administration].
“I think everyone was just happy to kind of see the season out in the same division.
“But it was always good to help with a few goal involvements here and there.”
He added: “What’s my best position? Don’t ask me. I am happy to play anywhere.
“I’ve been playing on the right wing. And then I played right midfield a wee bit and right wing-back at the start of the season.
“But my most comfortable position going forward would probably be in the centre of the park. Or maybe in the 10 a wee bit further forward.
“But I’m easy. I just go wherever I get put. I’m not too bothered about that.”
Bray was targeted by Dunfermline thanks to data analysis following the takeover of new owners James Bord and Evan Sofer in January.
Handed a four-and-a-half-year deal and costing the Pars a transfer fee, it was a move that came out of the blue.
But it is one that all parties are determined will prove fruitful.
Bray: Joining Pars a ‘no-brainer’
“If I’m right in saying, I think it was quite late in the transfer window that I was told about it,” he added.
“I was brought into an office with a couple that were higher up in Inverness to tell me about the offer. And then I just kind of had a bit of time to reflect on it.
“But, yeah, it was a no-brainer for me to come here, once I heard about the ambitions of the club.
“I’ve really liked [Neil Lennon and staff] as coaches and they’re lovely people as well. They want hard-working players, and that’s kind of what I’m about. I like working hard.
“It’s really good to have them kind of encouraging you at training to get the best out of you and get us as fit and as strong as possible for the start of the season.”
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